HTML 5 Question on Javascript scope

I just happen to think, whats the difference between this book and the other Head First Javascript book?
I happen not to read that book but I'd like to know whats the difference between the approach of this and the other.

I have read about HTML 5 regarding how its not only about the structure but other features like Web socket/threads etc.
and I am thinking that Javascript focus is on these topics.

Would it be safe to say that I should read first the Javascript book prior to reading your book or I could deep dive with your book?

Hi Mark,
That's a great question! We decided to include a few chapters on JavaScript so people who have read Head First HTML & CSS can pick up the book without having to go to a separate resource to learn JavaScript. Obviously we could only really cover the basics; we basically covered what you need to know in order to get through the rest of the book. You'll learn basic syntax, functions, objects, event handling, etc. and then of course, you'll get to practice all that throughout the rest of the book.

Once you've finished Head First HTML5 Programming, you'll be in a great spot to learn more JavaScript if you want to.

There is, obviously, quite a bit overlap with Head First JavaScript, but definitely no need to read that first before Head First HTML5 Programming.

My two cents: when we looked at what people needed to make the transitions from HTML to using HTML5 and its APis, it was JavaScript. It's a big transition from working in the land of structure and style, to one of behavior and interactivity (interactivity in a few ways - in the page, with the web, etc.). We then asked ourselves if (1) readers were ready to jump in after reading HF HTML, or if (2) it was a good thing to point them to HF JavaScript and let the read that first.

For a number of reasons we didn't think (1) or (2) worked above, and JavaScript was so core to the HF HTML5 mission, we needed to attack it and attack it in a way that you could get maximum benefit from in your goal of learning HTML5 (not to mention, how to create web apps with HTML5).

So, the big difference is that we've written the "straight line path" to learning the JavaScript you need to approach the material in the book. Sure, you'll still have some work to do in fully becoming a JavaScript professional, but we do all we can in < 700 pages to get you there and up on the most important HTML5 Apis.